More than $650,000 raised since 2017
Are you looking for a quick, easy, and effective way to make a big difference? Start or join a Lean Left Giving Circle! Through the power of collective contributions, Lean Left Vermont has raised more than $650,000 since 2017. This money has fueled grassroots organizations' efforts in battleground swing states.
You can join fellow Vermonters to support groups working to get out the vote, inform communities about vital issues, and back progressive Democratic candidates in flippable districts. This is a strategy for the long haul. It is aimed at building infrastructure for future election cycles. Many of our beneficiaries are small groups working year-round at the community level and are directly in touch with voters. For example, in 2025, we supported voter registration in rural North Carolina, reproductive rights activists in Virginia, and a Pennsylvania PAC working in marginalized communities.
Because Lean Left has done in-depth research, you can be assured you are investing in the long-term fight to protect our democracy. Each month, you’ll receive a description of the month’s beneficiary, why we chose them, and what effect they are having on an election, along with an ActBlue donation link.
two ways to participate in Giving Circles
Join The Lean Left Giving Circle
This is hands-down the easiest and most effective action for most Vermonters. Once you have signed up for the Lean Left Giving Circle, participating takes only seconds. At the beginning of each month, we send an email with a donation link and a description of that month’s beneficiary, why we chose them, and what effect they are having on an election. Gifts can be any size—whatever is comfortable—but by giving together with your fellow Vermonters, even small gifts can turn into game-changers.
2. Start Your Own Giving Circle
You can also make it personal and start your own Giving Circle. People give to people, and you get to inspire the people you care about and make a difference together. Reach out to your personal circle—it can be a book club, a group at church, or your friends and neighbors—and invite them to join you in making a gift once a month to our carefully researched spotlight recipient.
Giving Circles generally take two forms. One is “Virtual,” where members communicate solely online, and the second is “Potluck,” where members meet in person once a month for a party or get-together. You help your friends by taking away the confusion about where to donate, and you get to multiply your own impact. It’s a great stress reliever.
As the organizer or “Captain,” you will have a specific Lean Left member assigned to your group to offer logistical support and encouragement, so help is always just a phone call or email away. You will also have a fundraising link just for your group to track your donations and celebrate your success. Though many folks feel awkward about asking friends to donate money, our Captains have found that most of the time, their friends are eager to participate and grateful for the chance to make a real difference.